Why does every new character have to be considered as a potential love interest for anyone? I say build a story around her, have her interact with all characters and see where the sparks are. Natural chemistry builds natural story.

OMG! So much THIS! Bring a new character on as part of a story, see how well they play/interact with other characters/actors, then at the end of that storyline go from there with a potential romantic pairing that grows out of that storyline.

No shit. Bring her in and have her interact with Rafe, Lucas and Brady (since I assume Bristen won't be forever) and then see where the story and chemistry develops naturally.

Of course this is the smart and rational thing to do. However the show is so far ahead the writers that are bringing her in already have a pairing in mind and they are going to look at this with a bias. Hell, SOD even broke the news that she will be working with Rafe first. 99% of the time we know that means the writers are going to go there. I do agree they should chem test her around, but look who will be judging. Not the viewers.